Collective action by residents to save trees in Jayanagar

It was the strong voices of residents, environmentalists and a handful of officials that helped save the lush greenery to a great extent in Jayanagar and J P Nagar areas even as construction work was on, opine residents.  

Even as the Metro projects has uprooted hundreds of trees in the City, Jayanagar was relatively less affected, according to Bangaloreans who have stayed in that part of the City for over years. Protests against tree-felling for the Namma Metro Project of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) saw the participation of quite a lot of people. Recalling the struggle that people went through to save some greenery, N Mukund, a resident said that even politicians were part of the campaign.

“There were attempts. However, the then MLA was approached for help as the Metro work had begun,” said Mukunda. It was then that the top officials responded and heard the residents.  

The Federation of Jayanagar Residents’ Associations also raised their voice against tree felling on R V Road for the construction of Metro pillars. 

Gangambika, corporator, Jayanagar ward claimed only a few trees were trimmed. The few trees that were actually cut were because they had grown old. “It was on the request of the residents themselves that the BBMP did this,” she said. 

 In the future too, the voice of residents would be heard before any action is taken, according to Gangambika. “The residents are expected to write to the forest department of the Palike. It is following their instructions that we take any action,” she explained. 

Ram Chandra, a resident of RV Road said that the locality, thanks to the efforts of various individuals and associations, has been able to retain its glory. “There are so many trees around here that even during peak summer, do not feel the intense heat,” said Chandra.